Discover the many faces of China on this fascinating 16-day adventure. See the imperial treasures of Beijing, including the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Meet several thousand Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi'an. Explore Shanghai, both ancient and contemporary-the "New York City" of China. Enjoy a 6-day Yangtze River cruise. Plus, experience Lhasa on the Tibetan plateau, set high in the Himalayas on "the roof of the world." Spend three spiritually enlightening days visiting Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and much more.
Day 1 Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China's former imperial capital. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, you have free time to relax.
Day 2 Beijing
After breakfast, visit massive Tiananmen Square, then see the Forbidden City with its elegant palaces, pavilions and landscaped gardens, once open only to nobility. This afternoon, tour the 700-acre Summer Palace and ride a dragon boat across its manmade lake. Tonight, dine on local specialties. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Beijing
Today, ride to the legendary Great Wall of China and stand on its famous ramparts. A local lunch is followed by a visit to the Sacred Way, where you walk among the huge animal sculptures flanking the tree-lined avenue to the Ming Tombs. Tonight's optional evening features a Peking duck dinner followed by the artistry of performers from the famed Peking Opera, or dine and relax at your hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Beijing & Xi'an
See traditional Chinese life during your rickshaw tour along Beijing's hutongs (narrow alleyways), ** then tour a silk carpet workshop. After lunch, fly to Xi'an, China's legendary home of the Tang Dynasty from 618 to 907 A.D. Tonight, opt to experience the glory of this era at a banquet with traditional song and dance, or enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B, L, D)
**Rickshaw tour only available on Beijing to Shanghai itinerary direction.
Day 5 Xi'an
Today, tour Xi'an's archaeological wonder: thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, each soldier and horse molded in incredible detail. This afternoon, tour the majestic 7-story Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight's activity is a nighttime marketplace tour. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Xi'an & Lhasa
Morning free time in Xi'an-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your activities. After lunch, fly to Lhasa, the economic, spiritual and cultural center of Tibet. Experience Tibetan life with a family-hosted tea followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Lhasa
Today visit 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple. After a local lunch, explore the maze-like Barkhor Market in old Lhasa and tour the Tibetan Museum to learn about the area's history and culture. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Lhasa
This morning, tour the 13-story Potala Palace, winter home of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century. Later, visit Sera Monastery, an active temple with monks in training. Lunch and dinner in local restaurants. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Lhasa & Chongqing
After breakfast, fly to the mountain city of Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze, to embark your ship. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Shibaozhai
This morning cruise the Yangtze; after lunch, visit Shibaozhai Temple. This red pavilion is a gem of Qing Dynasty architecture. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Three Gorges & Lesser Three Gorges
During breakfast, sail through the spectacular scenery of Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest gorge. Board smaller boats for an excursion through the Lesser Three Gorges. Return to your ship for lunch, and spend the afternoon cruising through Wu (Witches) Gorge. This evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam's five-stage lock system. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Three Gorges Dam & Three Gorges
This morning, tour the monumental Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2008. In the afternoon, sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the gorges. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Jingzhou
After breakfast, travel to this town's elementary school, sponsored by Viking River Cruises. The children warmly welcome you and share stories and photos. Return to your ship for meals and scenic cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Wuhan & Shanghai
Disembark and tour Wuhan's Hubei Provincial Museum before your flight to Shanghai, China's most modern metropolis. After checking in, the rest of your day is free. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Shanghai
Today, tour Old Shanghai and the riverfront Bund district lined with banks and customs houses. After lunch, visit the Shanghai Museum; see its ancient ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and other artifacts. Dine in a local restaurant, then admire the dexterity of Chinese acrobats at tonight's performance. (B, L, D
Day 16 Shanghai
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, add to your China experience with a fully escorted land package that includes 3 nights in bustling Hong Kong and 1 night in scenic Guilin. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.
